The Metsamor nuclear power plant has been taken out of operation from April 1 for a five-month period for planned maintenance amid the process of extending its operational lifespan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, Khudatyan also highlighted the strong growth in solar power production.

“Most likely, in 2026, the electricity produced by our solar power plants will be comparable to what the Metsamor nuclear power plant would have generated if it were operating. These figures will definitely be comparable,” the minister said.

Mesrop Mesropyan, Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission, likewise pointed to the rapid growth in solar power installations.

The operational lifespan of Armenia’s nuclear power plant will expire in the fall of 2026. Work is currently underway to extend the plant’s operational period by another 10 years. During this time, the Armenian government is discussing the construction of a new nuclear power plant with various countries. It has been decided that the new plant should be of a modular type, and negotiations on its construction are ongoing with the United States, France, China, Russia, and South Korea.